FORT MYERS, Fla. The NAACP and a legal expert met with the families of suspected “Lake Boyz” gang members Thursday night to educate them about racketeering and prepare them for what’s ahead.

More than 20 members of the “Lake Boyz” gang were arrested and are facing over 400 charges combined, including heroin trafficking, aggravated assault and various firearm offenses, following a two-year operation by the Fort Myers Police Department and state attorney’s office.

Each member is subject to a $1 million bond.

Those arrested will be charged under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Act, otherwise known as RICO, used to combat organized crime organizations.

However, many families believe the racketeering law is too harsh.

“I just feel like they got a bunch of children who may have strayed a little bit, but who doesn’t? They just are picking them up and making them out to be a gang when they’re not a gang” said mother Lynn Balfield.